Moderate:  Infection with no systemic manifestations and involving:

  • Erythema extending ≥2 cm from the wound margin, and/or
  • Tissue deeper than skin and subcutaneous tissues (e.g. tendon, muscle, joint, and bone)

Severe:  Any foot infection with associated systemic manifestations of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome ([SIRS]), as manifested by 2 or more of the following:

  • Temperature > 38°C or < 36°C
  • Heart rate > 90 beats/min
  • Respiratory rate > 20 breaths/min, or PaCO2 < 32 mmHg
  • WBC >12 x 109/L, or < 4 x 109/L, or >10% immature forms